Left Hand Technique Parts 2 and 3 PDF
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Mohan PremathilakeLeft Hand Technique Parts 2 and 3 PDF
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Mohan PremathilakeCommon Misunderstandings in Left Hand technique (Parts 2 and 3) by
Kevin R Gallagher
Youtube Video
Part 2 Understanding Left Hand "Support" and it’s Uses
Simply put, "support" implies that the strings are either held in place or pushed slightly
towards the
6th string with the arm/wrist. “Support” is used when fingers are in danger of muting adjacent
strings in chords, or when we are performing downward slurs. Symptoms of "nonsupport" are :
muted strings in chords, difficult downward slurs, the 1st string falling off the fretboard, overarching
wrist, etc.
Giuliani op.48 #2
Llobet Testament D’Amelia
Sor Opus 35 #3
Scarlatti Sonata K11 (Segovia ed.)
Part 3 Playing on the “tips" and being “close to the fretwire”
The left hand technique is very dynamic. Although a good rule of thumb is to play on the tips of the
fingers, many times it is uncomfortable and impractical to do so. When we are playing bass,
middle, and melody lines together, often the tips can not be used on every note. Trying to play on
the tips of the fingers at all times creates unnecessary strain on the wrist and difficulty in the
technique.
The general rule of thumb is this if you need an adjacent string to vibrate, play more on the tips,
but if you don’t need an adjacent string to vibrate, allow the finger to rest on the adjacent string.
Resting your fingers on on nonvibrating strings is as much part of good technique as is playing on
the tips.
J.S.Bach Bouree in E minor
Frescobaldi Aria con Variazioni (Segovia)
Difficult stretches are also helped by NOT playing on the tips of the fingers.
Barrios La Catedral (movement 2)
Another aspect of good Left Hand Technique is recognizing when you don’t need to play as “close
as possible” to the fretwire. This innocent guideline often creates unnecessary difficulty for players
who try to follow the rule to the letter. Where the finger is placed on the fret can vary greatly, as
long as there is enough pressure on the fret wire to make the tone clean. Here are some
examples…..
Albeniz Granada
Sor Op.29 #13
Thank you for listening. I wish you much success in your practice and understanding of this
magnificent art form Kevin R. Gallagher
Skype guitar lessons are available through my Website at
www.guitar69.com
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